Eloise Grey: Traditionally Elegant Organic Tweed

In the run up to London Fashion Week next month we are delighted by the display of talented young British Designers showing sustainable collections. Last week we were introduced to textile print designer Tamasyn Gambell and her gorgeous silk scarves. Today we take a peek at the new collection from Eloise Grey who specialises in using traditional Scottish woollen tweeds.

With immaculately tailored shapes evoking 1930s and 40s styles Grey says she's been inspired by writers of the mid-20th century. "Honouring her affection for Virago Modern Classics, she has named garments after writers such as Rebecca West and Antonia White." Along with Tamasyn Gambell's art deco inspired scarves there is a distinctly glamorous retro flavour about this season's fashion.The Organic Wool TraditionEloise Grey's label has embraced the traditional British tweed, referencing the UK's long weaving and textile history and using skills that are rarely celebrated in contemporary fashion. All the textiles used for Grey's garments are woven on the Isle of Mull in Scotland at Ardalanish Organic Farm. Their wool was the first Soil Association Certified wool textile in the UK and they won best Organic Textile Product in 2007. The wool is sourced from indigenous Hebridean sheep and Shetland, Manx and Moorit sheep, all from organic growers. All colours are the natural colour of the sheep's wool.

Tailored to TreasureTweed is a resilient weave, it naturally repels water and dirt, that is designed to last a lifetime. As Eloise Grey says. "Wear your tweed year after year and hand it on." Her tailored garments are designed to be treasured, cared for and worn for a very long time. They are the very antithesis of fast high street fashion.

Award winning eco-fashionWinner of Land+Sea, Los Angeles-based International Design Awards' competition which sought excellence in sustainable design, Eloise Grey was first place in the Fashion, Land category in May 2008. She has also been selected for the highly competitive Crafts Council fair, Origin, at Somerset House in October 2008.

Where to find Eloise GreyEloise Grey is available online at The Natural Store and she will be presenting her collection at various events over the next few months:11th – 14th September 2008, 11- 6pm, The Barn, The Old Farmhouse, Farnham Road, Elstead GU8 6DB. 25th September - 1 Oct, The Hepsibah Gallery, Brackenbury Road, London, W6 14th - 19th October, The Crafts Council show Origin, Somerset House, London:: Eloise Grey:: Ardalanish Organic Farm